U.S. patent application number 10/029682 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for nanogel networks including polyion polymer fragments and biological agent compositions thereof.
Invention is credited to Kabanov, Alexander V., Vinogradov, Sergey V..
Application Number | 20020136769 10/029682 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28673408 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020136769 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kabanov, Alexander V. ; et
al. |
September 26, 2002 |
Nanogel networks including polyion polymer fragments and biological
agent compositions thereof
Abstract
The present invention relates to nanogel networks having at
least one cross-linked polyionic polymer fragment and at least one
nonionic water-soluble polymer fragment, and compositions thereof,
having at least one suitable biological agent.
Inventors: |
Kabanov, Alexander V.;
(Omaha, NE) ; Vinogradov, Sergey V.; (Omaha,
NE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mathews, Collins, Shepherd & Gould, P.A.
Suite 306
100 Thanet Circle
Princeton
NJ
08540
US
|
Family ID: |
28673408 |
Appl. No.: |
10/029682 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10029682 |
Dec 21, 2001 |
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09146651 |
Sep 3, 1998 |
|
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6333051 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
424/487 ;
514/1.1; 514/5.9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 47/34 20130101;
A61K 9/5138 20130101; A61K 48/00 20130101; A61K 9/5146 20130101;
B82Y 5/00 20130101; A61K 47/6931 20170801; C08L 101/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
424/487 ;
514/2 |
International
Class: |
A61K 009/14; A61K
038/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A polymer network comprising a plurality of cross-linked polymer
fragments wherein the polymer fragments comprise: (a) at least one
polyanionic fragment which is an anionic homopolymer or copolymer
comprising at least three repeating units, each of the repeating
units is capable of ionization to form a negative charge in an
aqueous solution; and (b) at least one nonionic homopolymer or
copolymer comprising at least three of the same or different
repeating units containing at least one atom selected from the
group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen.
2. The polymer network of claim 1 wherein each of the repeating
units in the polyanionic fragment are selected from the group
consisting of oxygen, sulfur and phosphorous.
3. The polymer network of claim 1 wherein each of the repeating
units in the polyanionic fragment is an acid selected from the
group consisting of anionic amino acids, carboxylic, sulfonic,
sulfuric, phosphoric and salts thereof.
4. The polymer network of claim 1 wherein each of the repeating
units in the polyanionic fragment is selected from the group
consisting of: polymethacrylic acid; polyacrylic acid; copolymers
of methacrylic acids; copolymers of acrylic acid and salts
thereof.
5. The polymer network of claim 1 wherein each of the repeating
units in the polyanionic fragment is selected from the group
consisting of: heparin; poly(phosphate); polyamino acid,
polynucleotides, carboxylated dextran and copolymers thereof.
6. The polymer network of claim 1 wherein said polyanionic fragment
comprises monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylic
acid, aspartic acid, 1,4-phenylenediacrylic acid, citracinic acid,
citraconic anhydride, trans-cinnamic acid, 4-hydroxy cinnamic acid,
trans-glutaconic acid, glutamic acid, itaconic acid, linoleic acid,
linolenic acid, methacrylic acid, trans-beta-hydromuconic acid,
trans-trans-muconic acid, ricinolei acid, 2-propene-1-sulfonic
acid, 4-styrene sulfonic acid, trans-traumatic acid, vinylsulfonic
acid, vinyl phosphoric acid, vinyl benzoic acid and vinyl glycolic
acid.
7. The polymer network according to claim 1 wherein the network
size is between about 20 nm and about 300 nm.
8. The polymer network according to claim 1 wherein the network
size is between about 20 nm and about 200 nm.
9. The polymer network according to claim 1 wherein the network
size is between about 20 nm and about 50 nm.
10. A composition comprising the polymer network of claim 1 and a
biological agent.
11. The composition according to claim 10 wherein the biological
agent is selected from the group consisting of polynucleotides,
viral vectors, and viruses.
12. The composition according to claim 10 wherein the biological
agent is selected from the group consisting of peptides and
proteins.
13. The composition according to claim 10 wherein the biological
agent is selected from the group consisting of immunoglobulins,
immunomodulators, immunoadjuvants, immunogens, antigens, and
vaccines.
14. The composition according to claim 10 wherein the biological
agent is selected from the group consisting of dyes, radiolabels,
radio-opaque compounds, and fluorescent compounds.
15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the polymer network
according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
16. A composition comprising the polymer network of claim 1 and a
targeting molecule.
17. A method of immunizing an organism comprising administering to
said organism an effective amount of a polymer network according to
claim 1 and a biological agent.
18. A method of treating an organism in need of treatment
comprising administering to said organism an effective amount of
the polymer network composition of claim 1 and a biological
agent.
19. The polymer network of claim 1 wherein the polyanionic and
nonionic polymer fragments have a degree of polymerization between
about 20 and about 100,000.
20. The polymer network of claim 19 wherein the degree of
polymerization is between about 30 and about 10,000.
21. The polymer network of claim 20 wherein the degree of
polymerization is between about 30 and 1,000.
22. The polymer network of claim 1 wherein the repeating units of
the nonionic homopolymer or copolymer include at least one
hydrophobic and at least one hydrophilic chain segment.
23. A polymer network comprising a plurality of cross-linked
polymer fragments wherein the polymer fragments comprise: (a) at
least one polyanionic fragment which is an anionic homopolymer or
copolymer comprising at least three repeating units, wherein each
of the repeating units is selected from the group consisting of
oxygen, sulfur and phosphorous and is capable of ionization to form
a negative charge in an aqueous solution; and (b) at least one
nonionic homopolymer or copolymer comprising at least three of the
same or different nonionic repeating units containing at least one
atom selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09/146,651 filed
Sep. 3, 1998.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to polymer technology, specifically
polymer networks having at least one cross-linked polyion polymer
fragment, in particular a polyanion, and at least one nonionic
water-soluble polymer fragment, and compositions thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional methods for the design of new drugs can be
extremely difficult and time-consuming. For a new drug to be
effective, it must be precisely matched to its molecular target.
Moreover, once such a molecule is discovered, the new drug
candidate must be soluble, bioavailable, nontoxic, and resistant to
metabolic enzymes. Modifications to such a new molecule, necessary
to satisfy these requirements, often have an adverse effect on the
drug's therapeutic efficacy. Because of these complexities,
conventional drug design can be a very costly, time-consuming
process.
[0004] Recent advances in combinatorial chemistry technology have
attempted to address these difficulties, however the problem of
making such molecules soluble, bioavailable, resistant to metabolic
enzymes, and capable of penetrating through membranes often remains
unsolved.
[0005] The drug delivery industry has addressed some of these
problems by incorporating drugs into carriers. In drug delivery
assisted products, the time of development is somewhat shortened to
approximately seven years, and the average cost is decreased.
Unfortunately, many drug delivery systems still have several
serious limitations in view of the problems discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention relates to copolymer networks having at least
one cross-linked polyion polymer fragment and at least one nonionic
water-soluble polymer fragment. These networks are in the nanometer
size range. The copolymer networks are referred to as
"nanogels".
[0007] This invention further relates to compositions of the
nanogel networks of cross-linked polymer fragments of nanometer
size range in which the nonionic water-soluble fragments contain
hydrophilic and hydrophobic chain segments. The chain segments self
assemble in an aqueous environment within the nanogel network
volume resulting in formation of hydrophobic domains in each
nanogel species that can incorporate and release nonpolar molecules
or polar molecules containing non-polar parts. The aggregation of
the nanogels through hydrophobic interactions between individual
nanogels particles resulting in a formation of a precipitate or a
bulk structure, such as a bulk gel, is undesirable. Accordingly, it
is preferred that nanogels form stable dispersions.
[0008] This invention further relates to compositions having
nanogel networks of cross-linked polymer fragments (defined herein
as "polymer networks") and a suitable biological agent or
agents.
[0009] The invention also relates to combinatorial drug delivery,
or combinatorial formulation. The invention reduces the time and
cost required for creating desired drug compounds, which are not
only immediately ready for clinical trial, but also possess a
number of important characteristics increasing the probability of
ultimate success. In contrast to combinatorial chemistry, however,
the invention does not discover new drug structures per se or alter
the desirable drug characteristics themselves, but instead provides
optimal compositions of a desired drug solving the drug's problems
relating to solubility, bioavailability, resistance to metabolic
enzymes, toxicity, membrane transport, and site specific delivery.
Using a biological agent molecule as a starting point, the
invention identifies new compositions with characteristics sought
for the optimal performance of the selected molecule.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] The invention thus relates to new chemical molecules having
polymer networks of cross-linked polyion polymer fragments and
nonionic polymer fragments. The dispersed polymer networks combine
the properties of both polymer gels and colloidal particles.
Polymer networks can contain both low molecular mass and polymer
biological agents including, small molecules, oligo- and
polysaccharides, polypeptides and proteins, polynucleotides such as
RNA or DNA, and the like.
[0011] The invention also provides a method of identifying a
biological agent composition of choice to create a cross-linked
polymer network composition that will render a biological agent
soluble, bioavailable, resistant to metabolic enzymes, non-toxic,
freely traveling through membranes and into cells, or having
desired release characteristics in the body. By using polymer
networks which differ in the length and polymer fragment structure,
and preparing composition corresponding libraries, the invention
provides for rapid complexing and identification of compositions of
biological agents with desired properties.
[0012] The invention further relates to biological compositions
having polymer networks and biological agents. Dispersed polymer
networks are capable of being transported in the body to a disease
site, crossing biological barriers (such as the blood-brain
barrier, and intestinal epithelium), entering cells, crossing cell
membranes, and being transported to a target site inside a cell.
These polymer network particles can be physically or chemically
coupled with targeting molecules providing for site-specific
delivery and recognition in the body.
[0013] The use of polymer fragments with dual functionality in
polymer networks, such as polyionic polymers and nonionic
water-soluble or water-swellable polymers, permits great variation
in the properties of these systems by varying the lengths and/or
chemical structure of the polymer fragments. This design of polymer
network carriers provides for tremendous versatility with simple
chemical structures and permits optimized drug delivery and drug
release for enhanced performance with a variety of drugs and drug
delivery applications. Particularly, (i) the longevity of
circulation in the blood can be varied, (ii) biodistribution in the
body can be varied to achieve site-specific drug delivery and
release, and (iii) the rate of release can be varied (seconds,
days, weeks, etc.). This versatility of the polymer networks
permits selection of drug compositions that are most efficient and
safe (i.e., have the best "therapeutic index") for a very broad
variety of drugs.
[0014] This invention also provides for a method of identifying
cross-linked polymer network and biological agent compositions that
can be applied to pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics diagnostics
and imaging, immunology, veterinary, agriculture, and other areas
where the properties of biological agents exhibited during
interaction with a living organism or cell can be improved through
formulation.
[0015] Biological agents suitable for use in accordance with the
invention include agents useful for diagnostics or imaging, or that
can act on a cell, organ or organism to create a change in the
functioning of the cell, organ or organism. This includes, but is
not limited to pharmaceutical agents, genes, vaccines, herbicides
and the like.
[0016] The invention can be used in combination with high
throughput screening of actual composition libraries, and can
further utilize mathematical concepts, which have been found to be
beneficial in combinatorial chemistry.
[0017] Definitions
[0018] As used herein, the terms below have the following
meaning:
1 Backbone: Used in graft copolymer nomenclature to describe the
chain onto which the graft is formed. Biological agent: An agent
that is useful for diagnosing or imaging or that can act on a cell,
organ or organism, including but not limited to drugs
(pharmaceuticals) to create a change in the functioning of the
cell, organ or organism. Biological property: Any property of
biological agent or biological agent composition that affects the
action of this biological agent or biological agent composition
during interaction with a biological system. Block copolymer: A
combination of two or more chains of constitutionally or
configurationally different features linked in a linear fashion.
Branched polymer: A combination of two or more chains linked to
each other, in which the end of at least one chain is bonded at
some point along the other chain. Chain: A polymer molecule formed
by covalent linking of monomeric units. Composition library: A
Plurality of compositions of biological agents with polymer
networks. Configuration: Organization of atoms along the polymer
chain, which can be interconverted only by the breakage and
reformation of primary chemical bonds. Conformation: Arrangements
of atoms and substituents of the polymer chain brought about by
rotations about single bonds. Conterminous: At both ends or at
points along the chain. Conterminous link: A polymer cross-link in
which a polymer chain is linked at both ends to the same or
constitutionally or configurationally different chain or chains.
Copolymer: A polymer that is derived from more than one species of
monomer. Cross-link: A structure bonding two or more polymer chains
together. Dendrimer: A regularly branched polymer in which branches
start from one or more centers. Dispersion: Particulate matter
distributed throughout a continuous medium. Drug candidate: A
substance with biological activity potentially useful for therapy.
Interpenetrating network: An intimate combination of at least two
polymer networks at least one of which is synthesized in the
immediate presence of the other. Graft copolymer: A combination of
two or more chains of con- stitutionally or configurationally
different features, one of which serves as a backbone main chain,
and at least one of which is bonded at some points along the
backbone and constitutes a side chain. Homopolymer: Polymer that is
derived from one species of monomer. Link: A covalent chemical bond
between two atoms, including bond between two monomeric units, or
between two polymer chains. Nanogel: A polymer network dispersion
with sub-micron particle size. Network: A three-dimensional polymer
structure, where all the chains are connected through cross- links.
Network basis: plurality of cross-linked polymer networks differing
in at least one of the polymer fragment constitutional,
configurational or conformational feature. Parent database:
Computer database containing information on known polymer networks.
Polyanion: A polymer chain containing repeating units containing
groups capable of ionization in aqueous solution resulting in
formation of a negative charges on the polymer chain. Polycation: A
polymer chain containing repeating units containing groups capable
of ionization in aqueous solution resulting in formation of a
positive charges on the polymer chain. Polyion: A polymer chain
containing repeating units containing groups capable of ionization
in aqueous solution resulting in formation of a positive or
negative charges on the polymer chain. Polymer blend: An intimate
combination of two or more polymer chains of constitutionally or
configurationally different features, which are not bonded to each
other. Polymer fragment: A portion of polymer molecule in which the
monomeric units have at least one constitutional or configurational
feature absent from adjacent portions. Repeating unit: Monomeric
unit linked into a polymer chain. Semi-interpenetrating: Used
herein to describe an intimate combination of at least one non
cross-linked polymer and at least one polymer network at least one
of which is synthesized in the immediate presence of the other.
Side chain: The grafted chain in a graft copolymer. Starblock
copolymer: Three or more chains of different constitutional or
configurational features linked together at one end through a
central moiety. Star polymer: Three or more chains linked together
at one end through a central moiety. Surfactant: Surface active
agent that is adsorbed at interface. Virtual library: A list of
polymer networks potentially useful with the biological agent.
Viral Vector: A construct derived from a virus and used in gene
transfer.
[0019] The invention relates to networks of cross-linked polymer
fragments wherein the fragments comprise:
[0020] (a) at least one polyanion fragment comprising at least
three of the same or different repeating units each capable of
ionization resulting in formation of negative charge in aqueous
solution; and
[0021] (b) at least one nonionic homopolymer or copolymer
comprising at least three of the same or different repeating units
containing at least one atom selected from the group consisting of
oxygen and nitrogen.
[0022] The invention provides fine dispersions of the networks with
a sub-micron range of particle size ("nanogels").
[0023] This invention further relates to compositions of the
nanogel networks of cross-linked polymer fragments of nanometer
size range in which the nonionic water-soluble fragments contain
hydrophilic and hydrophobic chain segments. The chain segments self
assemble in an aqueous environment within the nanogel network
volume resulting in formation of hydrophobic domains in each
nanogel species that can incorporate and release nonpolar molecules
or polar molecules containing significant non-polar parts. The
aggregation of the nanogels through hydrophobic interactions
between individual nanogels particles resulting in a formation of a
precipitate or a bulk structure, such as a bulk gel, is
undesirable. It is preferred that nanogels form stable dispersions.
The preferred range of the size of nanogel networks is from about
20 nm to about 300 nm, more preferred from about 20 nm to about 200
nm, still more preferred from about 20 nm to about 100 nm, still
more preferred from about 20 nm to about 50 nm.
[0024] This invention further relates to compositions having the
nanogel networks of cross-linked polymer fragments (defined herein
as "polymer networks") and at least one suitable biological agent.
The biological agents are incorporated into nanogel particles
through hydrophobic, ionic interactions or hydrogen bonding. In the
case of biological agents bearing one or several electrostatic
charges it is preferred that the net charge of such molecule is
opposite to the charge of the nanogel, i.e. be positive (or
cationic).
[0025] The polyion, polyanion, polycation and nonionic polymer
fragments independently of each other can be linear polymers,
randomly branched polymers, block copolymers, graft copolymers,
star polymers, star block copolymers, dendrimers or have other
architectures, including combinations of the above-listed
structures. The degree of polymerization of the polyion and
nonionic polymer fragments is between about 20 and about 100,000.
More preferably, the degree of polymerization is between about 30
and about 10,000, still more preferably, between about 30 and about
1,000.
[0026] Preferred polyanion fragments, which form the polymer
networks, comprise at least three of the same or different
repeating units containing at least one atom selected from the
group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorus. Suitable
polyanion fragments are homopolymers or copolymers and the salts
thereof which include repeating units containing carboxylic,
sulfonic, sulfuric, phosphoric, or the salts thereof, such
carboxylates, sulfonates, sulfates, phosphates, phosphonates and
the like have been described in March, "Advanced Organic
Chemistry", 4th edition, 1992, Wiley-Interscience, New York.
[0027] Example polyanion segments include but are not limited to
polymethacrylic acid and its salts; polyacrylic acid and its salts;
copolymers of methacrylic acids and its salts; copolymers of
acrylic acid and its salts; heparin; poly(phosphate); polyamino
acid, such as polyaspartic acid, polylactic acid, and their
copolymers, polynucleotides, carboxylated dextran, and the like.
Preferred polyanions include the products of polymerization or
copolymerization of monomers that polymerize to yield a product
having carboyl pendant groups. Representative examples of such
monomers are acrylic acid, aspartic acid, 1,4-phenylenediacrylic
acid, citracinic acid, citraconic anhydride, trans-cinnamic acid,
4-hydroxy cinnamic acid, trans-glutaconic acid, glutamic acid,
itaconic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, methacrylic acid,
trans-beta-hydromuconic acid, trans-trans-muconic acid, ricinolei
acid, 2-propene-1-sulfonic acid, 4-styrene sulfonic acid,
trans-traumatic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, vinyl phosphoric acid,
vinyl benzoic acid and vinyl glycolic acid. The polyanion fragments
have several ionizable groups that can form net negative charge at
physiologic pH. Preferably, the polyanion fragments will have at
least about 3 negative charges at physiologic pH, more preferably,
at 25 least about 6, still more preferably, at least about 12. Also
preferred are polymers or fragments that, at physiologic pH, can
present negative charges with about a distances between the charges
of about 2 .ANG. to about 10 .ANG..
[0028] It is preferred that nonionic polymer fragments comprise
water-soluble polymers, which are nontoxic and nonimmunogenic. The
preferred nonionic polymer fragment is a polyethylene oxide, a
copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, a polysaccharide,
a polyacrylamide, a polygycerol, a polyvinylalcohol, a
polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, a polyvinylpyridine N-oxide, a copolymer of
vinylpyridine N-oxide and vinylpyridine, a polyoxazoline, or a
polyacroylmorpholine or the derivatives thereof, in which the
number of repeating units has a value of from 3 to about
50,000,000.
[0029] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the
nonionic fragments contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic chain
segments. An example of such nonionic polymer nonionic polymer
fragments are the block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene
oxide having the formulas: 1
[0030] in which x, y, z, i and j have values from about 2 to about
800, preferably from about 5 to about 200, more preferably from
about 5 to about 80, and wherein for each R.sup.1, R.sup.2 pair,
one is hydrogen and the other is a methyl group.
[0031] Formulas (I) through (III) are oversimplified in that, in
practice, the orientation of the isopropylene radicals within the
poly(oxypropylene) block can be random or regular. This is
indicated in formula (IV), which is more complete. Such
poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxyprop- ylene) compounds have been
described by Santon, Am. Perfumer Cosmet. 72(4):54-58 (1958);
Schmolka, Loc. cit. 82(7):25 (1967); Schick, Non-ionic Surfactants,
pp. 300-371 (Dekker, N.Y., 1967). A number of such compounds are
commercially available under such generic trade names as
"poloxamers", "pluronics" and "synperonics." Pluronic polymers
within the B-A-B formula are often referred to as "reversed"
pluronics, "pluronic R" or "meroxapol". The "polyoxamine" polymer
of formula (IV) is available from BASF (Wyandotte, Mich.) under the
tradename Tetronic.TM.. The order of the polyoxyethylene and
polyoxypropylene blocks represented in formula (XVII) can be
reversed, creating Tetronic R.TM., also available from BASF. See,
Schmolka, J. Am. Oil Soc., 59:110 (1979).
Polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene block copolymers can also be
designed with hydrophilic blocks comprising a random mix of
ethylene oxide and propylene oxide repeating units. To maintain the
hydrophilic character of the block, ethylene oxide will
predominate. Similarly, the hydrophobic block can be a mixture of
ethylene oxide and propylene oxide repeating units. Such block
copolymers are available from BASF under the tradename
Pluradot.TM..
[0032] The diamine-linked pluronic of formula (IV) can also be a
member of the family of diamine-linked
polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymers of formula: 2
[0033] wherein the dashed lines represent symmetrical copies of the
polyether extending off the second nitrogen, R.sup.* is an alkylene
of 2 to 6 carbons, a cycloalkylene of 5 to 8 carbons or phenylene,
for R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, either (a) both are hydrogen or (b) one is
hydrogen and the other is methyl, for R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 either
(a) both are hydrogen or (b) one is hydrogen and the other is
methyl, if both of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are hydrogen, then one
R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 is hydrogen and the other is methyl, and if one
of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is methyl, then both of R.sup.5 and R.sup.6
are hydrogen.
[0034] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, in light
of the discussion herein, that even when the practice of the
invention is confined for example, to
poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxypropylene) compounds, the above exemplary
formulas are too confining. Thus, the units making up the first
block need not consist solely of ethylene oxide. Similarly, not all
of the second type block need consist solely of propylene oxide
units. Instead, the blocks can incorporate monomers other than
those defined in formulas (I)-(V), so long as the parameters of
this first embodiment are maintained. Thus, in the simplest of
examples, at least one of the monomers in hydrophilic block might
be substituted with a side chain group as previously described.
[0035] The term "link" used herein means covalent bond between two
atoms, including bonds between two monomeric units, or between two
polymer chains. The term "cross-link" as used herein refers to a
structure bonding two or more polymer chains together. The polymer
network of the current invention can be produced by covalent
linkage of one polymer fragment to at least two other polymer
fragments having the same or different structure. The linkage of
the polymer fragments in the networks can be conterminous, i.e., a
polymer cross-link in which a polymer chain is linked at both ends
to the same or constitutionally or configurationally different
chain or chains. The conterminous polymer networks can be produced
by covalently cross-linking the polyion fragments by nonionic
fragments or pendant groups or vice versa cross-linking the
nonionic fragments by the polyion fragments. For example, the
polymer networks can be synthesized by reacting polyoxyethylene
having reactive groups at two ends, such as polyoxyethylene
bis-amine, with carboxylic groups of poly(acrylic acid). Another
example, is linking periodate oxidized carboxymethyl polymers
through polyoxyethylene bis-amine. The network can also be obtained
by cross-linking the pendant groups of polymer fragments. For
example, linking the pendant carboxylic groups poly(acrylic acid)
or poly(glutamic acid) to polyvinylalcohol chains having activated
pendant hydroxyl groups through the cross-linking agents can
produce such network. The networks can also combine conterminous
and non-conterminous linkage. Without wishing to be limited to any
one particular theory, it is believed that the polymer networks of
the current invention can also be interpenetrating or
semi-interpenetrating, and can non-covalently trap polymers and
other molecules present during their synthesis. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that numerous types of the polymer
network architecture described in the literature can be utilized in
accordance with the current invention. See for example, Sperling,
Introduction to Physical Polymer Science, 2d Ed., Johen Wiley, New
York, 1992.
[0036] Polymer gels can be synthesized by free radical UV
co-polymerization of the high molecular nonionic monomers that form
polyanionic network in the presence of other nonionic and/or
polyanionic fragments. For example, nanoparticles were prepared
from poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether monomethacrylate,
tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate and either methacrylic or
acrylic acid. See Foss et al., Polym. Prepr. 42(2), 94 (2001), Ward
et al., J. Contr. Release 71(2), 183 (2001), Nakamura et al., J.
Contr. Release 61(3), 329 (1999). Cationic microgel dispersions can
be produced by cross-linking polyepoxide-amine reaction products
with polyepoxide cross-linking agent, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,556.
Polymerizing epoxides with polyalkylenepolyamines produced polymer
beads, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,189,539. Certain carboxylic acid
containing microgel particles can be prepared by polymerizing in
aqueous emulsion a monomer mixture containing carboxylic acid
monomers and vinyl monomers (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,714).
[0037] Another approach to synthesizing polymer networks was used
to obtain bioadhesive lattices of water-swollen poly(acrylic acid)
nano- and microparticles. The inverse (W/O) emulsion polymerization
occurred in the presence of radical initiators, such as
azobis-isobutyronitrile, See Kriwet et al., J. Contr. Release
56(1-3), 149 (1998).
[0038] Polymer micelles could be cross-linked to stabilize forming
core-shell nanospheres. Cross linking can be accomplished by direct
reaction between the chain segments located within the polymer
micelle shell, or via addition of multi-functional cross linking
reagents. See Thurmond et al., Colloids Surf., B, 16(1-4), 45
(1999).
[0039] A hydrogel network can be formed by mixing two oppositely
charged polymer molecules. For example, solutions of dextran
sulfate and polyethylenimine at mass ratio 0.3-0.7 produced
nanoparticles. See PCT Int. Appl. (2001), WO 2001001964.
Alternatively, polymers can be linked into a network using a
covalent bond.
[0040] Linking of polymers and polymer fragments can be
accomplished by a number of reactions, many of which have been
described generally in conjugate chemistry, in particular, for
synthesizing block and graft copolymers, and various polymer
conjugates. See for example, Seymour et al., Self-Assembling
Complexes for Gene Delivery. From Laboratory to Clinical Trial,
Kabanov et al. (eds.), John Wiley, Chichester (1998); U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,593,658, 5,567,410, and 5,656,611. These reactions can
involve, for example, a terminal or pendant hydroxyl group on one
polymer fragment, e.g. R.sup.5--O--(C.sub.2H.sub.4O)--H, in which
R.sup.5 is hydrogen or a blocking group such as alkyl, and an
appropriate group on another polymer fragment, the two being joined
directly or indirectly; i.e., through a third component.
Alternatively a terminal or pendant group can be converted to some
other functional group, such as an amino group, which then is
allowed to react with either the next polymer fragment or another
linking component. The linking group thus may be formed either by
reactively involving a terminal or pendant group of a polymer
fragment or by replacing the terminal or pendant group. For
example, a carboxylic acid group can be activated with
N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and then allowed to react with an
amino or hydroxy group to form an amide or ether respectively.
Anhydrides and acid chlorides will produce the same links with
amines and alcohols. Alcohols can be activated by
carbonyldiimidazole and then linked to amines to produce urethane
linkages or activated to produce ethers or esters. Alkyl halides
can be converted to amines or allowed to react with an amine,
diamines, alcohols, or diol. A terminal or pendant hydroxy group
can be oxidized to form the corresponding aldehyde or ketone. This
aldehyde or ketone then is allowed to react with a precursor
carrying a terminal or pendant amino group to form an imine which,
in turn, is reduced, with sodium borohydrate to form the secondary
amine. See Kabanov et al., J. Contr. Release, 22:141 (1992); Meth.
Enzymol., XLVII, Hirs & Timasheff, Eds., Acad. Press, 1977. The
linkage thereby formed is the group --NH--, replacing the terminal
or pendant hydroxyl group of the polymer fragment.
[0041] Alternatively, a terminal or pendant hydroxyl group on the
polymer can be reacted with bromoacetyl chloride to form a
bromoacetyl ester which in turn is reacted with an amine precursor
to form the --NH--CH.sub.2--C(O)-- linkage. See Immobilized
Enzymes, Berezin et al. (eds.), MGU, Moscow, 1976
(--NH--CH.sub.2--C(O)--). The bromoacetyl ester of a polymer
fragment also can be reacted with a diaminoalkane of the formula
NH.sub.2--C.sub.qH.sub.2q--NH.sub.2 which in turn is reacted with
an carboxy group on another polymer fragment, or an activated
derivative thereof such as an acid chloride or anhydride. The
bromoacetyl ester also can be reacted with a cyanide salt to form a
cyano intermediate. See e.g., Sekiguchi et al., J. Biochem., 85, 75
(1979); Tuengler et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta, 484, 1 (1977);
Browne et al. BBRC, 67, 126 (1975); and Hunter et al., JACS 84,
3491 (1962). This cyano intermediate then can be converted to an
imido ester, for instance by treatment with a solution of methanol
and hydrogen chloride, which is reacted with an amine precursor to
form a --NH--C(NH.sub.2.sup.+)CH.sub.2C(O)-- linkage. A terminal or
pendant hydroxyl group also can be reacted with
1,1'-carbonyl-bis-imidazole and this intermediate in turn reacted
with an amino precursor to form a --NH--C(O)O-- linkage. See
Bartling et al., Nature 243, 342 (1973).
[0042] A terminal or pendant hydroxyl also can be reacted with a
cyclic anhydride such as succinic anhydride to yield a half-ester
which, in turn, is reacted with a precursor having terminal or
pendant amino group using conventional condensation techniques for
forming peptide bonds such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide,
diphenylchlorophosphonate, or
2-chloro-4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine. See e.g., Means et al.,
Chemical Modification of Proteins, Holden-Day (1971). Thus formed
is the --NHC(O)(CH.sub.2).sub.qC(O)O-- linkage.
[0043] A terminal or pendant hydroxyl group also can be reacted
with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether to form an intermediate having
a terminal or pendant epoxide function linked to the polymer
through an ether bond. The terminal or pendant epoxide function, in
turn, is then reacted with an amino precursor. Pitha et al., Eur.
J. Biochem., 94:11 (1979); Elling and Kula, Biotech. Appl.
Biochem., 13:354 (1991); Stark and Holmberg, Biotech. Bioeng.,
34:942 (1989).
[0044] Halogenation of a terminal or pendant hydroxyl group permits
subsequent reaction with an alkanediamine such as
1,6-hexanediamine. The resulting product then is reacted with
carbon disulfide in the presence of potassium hydroxide, followed
by the addition of proprionyl chloride to generate a isothiocyanate
which in turn is reacted with an amino precursor to yield a
--N--C(S)--N--(CH.sub.2).sub.6--NH-- linkage. See Means et al.,
Chemical Modification of Proteins, Holden-Day (1971). The polymer
chain terminating in an amino group also can be treated with
phosgene and then another polymer fragment containing amino group
to form an urea linkage. See Means et al., Chemical Modification of
Proteins, Holden-Day (1971).
[0045] The polymer fragment terminating in an amino group also can
be treated with dimethyl ester of an alkane dicarboxylic acid and
the product reacted with an amino precursor to produce a
--N--C(NH.sub.2.sup.+)--(CH.sub.2).sub.4--C(NH.sub.2.sup.+)--N--
linkage. See Lowe et al., Affinity Chromatography, Wiley & Sons
(1974). The polymer fragment terminating in an amino group also can
be reacted with an alkanoic acid or fluorinated alkanoic acid,
preferably an activated derivative thereof such as an acid chloride
or anhydride, to form a linking group, --CONH--. Alternatively an
amino precursor can be treated with an
.alpha.,.omega.-diisocyanoalkane to produce a
--NC(O)NH(CH.sub.2).sub.6NHC(O)--N-- linkage. See Means et al.
Chemical Modification of Proteins, Holden-Day (1971). Some linking
groups thus can simply involve a simple functional group while
others may comprise a spacer unit such as a polymethylene chain
between two functional groups. When the linking group comprises
such a polymethylene chain, it can have as few as two methylene
units but preferably contains more; e.g., six or more methylene
units. The above descriptions exemplify typical strategies for the
formation of linkages between the fragments of the polymer networks
of the current invention. These procedures parallel those, which
are known to form conjugates of biologically active agents and
other agents, including the general conjugation methods described
by Means et al., Chemical Modification of Proteins, Holden-Day
(1971); Glazer et al., Chemical Modification of Proteins, Elsevier,
New York (1975); Immunotechnology Catalog & Handbook, Pierce
Chemical Co.; and Polyethylene Glycol Derivatives Catalog,
Shearwater Polymers, Inc. (1994). It will also be appreciated that
linkages which are not symmetrical, such as --CONH-- or --NHCOO--,
can be present in the reverse orientation; e.g., --NHCO-- and
--OCONH--, respectively.
[0046] The size of the polymer networks is one major parameter
determining their usefulness in biological compositions. After
administration in the body large particles are eliminated by the
reticuloendothelial system and cannot be easily transported to the
disease site (see, for example, Kabanov et al., J. Contr. Release,
22, 141 (1992); Volkheimer. Pathologe 14:247 (1993); Kwon and
Kataoka, Adv. Drug. Del. Rev. 16:295 (1995). Also, the transport of
large particles in the cell and intracellular delivery is limited
or insignificant. See, e.g., Labhasetwar et al. Adv. Drug Del. Res.
24:63 (1997). It was demonstrated that aggregated cationic species
with a size from 500 nm to over 1 .mu.m are ineffective in cell
transfection, see Kabanov et al., Self-Assembling Complexes for
Gene Delivery. From Laboratory to Clinical Trial, Kabanov et al.
(eds.), John Wiley, Chichester (1998) and references cited. Large
particles, particularly, those positively charged exhibit high
toxicity in the body, in part due to adverse effects on liver and
embolism. See e.g., Volkheimer, Pathologe 14:247 (1993); Khopade et
al Pharmazie 51:558 (1996); Yamashita et al., Vet. Hum. Toxicol.,
39:71 (1997). Nanogel polymer networks are nontoxic, can enter into
small capillaries in the body, transport in the body to a disease
site, cross biological barriers (including but not limited to the
blood-brain barrier and intestinal epithelium), absorb into cell
endocytic vesicles, cross cell membranes and transport to the
target site inside the cell. The particles in that size range are
believed to be more efficiently transferred across the arterial
wall compared to larger size microparticles, see Labhasetwar et
al., Adv. Drug Del. Res. 24:63 (1997). Without wishing to be bound
by any particular theory it is also believed that because of high
surface to volume ratio, the small size is essential for successful
targeting of such particles using targeting molecules. Further, it
is also believed the nanogel size ranges are preferred for the
optimal performance of the polymer networks in the combinatorial
formulations. The preferred range of the size of nanogel networks
is from about 20 nm to about 300 nm, more preferred from about 20
nm to about 200 nm, still more preferred from about 20 nm to about
100 nm, still more preferred from about 20 nm to about 50 nm.
[0047] While not wishing to be bound by any specific theory, it is
further believed that nanogel particles shall have these sizes in a
swollen state in aqueous solutions. As is shown in the examples,
the sizes of the nanogels can decrease as the biologically active
molecule incorporates in the nanogel particle.
[0048] It is also believed that maintaining the particle size
distribution in the preferred range and thorough purification from
larger particles is essential for the efficiency and safety of the
nanogel networks. It is recognized that useful properties of the
nanogel networks are determined solely by their size and structure
and are independent of the method used for their preparation.
Therefore, this invention is not limited to a certain synthesis or
purification procedures, but rather encompasses new and novel
chemical entities useful in biological agent compositions.
[0049] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that even
when the practice of the invention is confined, for example, to
certain nanogel networks there are numerous methods of particle
preparation and dispersion that will yield the nanogel networks
with the desired characteristics. Thus, any method resulting in a
nanogel species with the desired characteristics is suitable for
preparation of the polymer networks and biological agent
compositions thereof. Many such useful methods can be found in
nanotechnologies and nanoparticle chemistry. See for example,
Hrkach et al. Biomaterials, 18:27 (1997). Nanoparticles and
nanospheres can be synthesized in aqueous and non-aqueous emulsions
under the appropriate conditions and then separated by size
exclusion chromatography, membrane filtration, ultracentrifugation
or similar technique. See, for example, Bertling, et al., Appl.
Biochem., 13, 390 (1991); Lukowski et al., Int. J. Pharm., 84, 23
(1992); Pirker et al., Int. J. Pharm., 128, 189 (1996); Peracchia,
et al. J. Contr. Rel., 46, 223 (1997); Zobel et al. Antisense Nucl.
Acid Drug Dev. 7, 483 (1997); Ferdous, et al. J. Contr. Rel. 50, 71
(1998); and literature cited. The "water-in-oil" and "oil-in-water"
microemulsions as well as normal and reverse surfactant micelles
have proven to be particularly useful for preparation of particles
with the preferred size distribution. See, for example, Abakumova,
et al., Dokl. Acad. Nauk SSSR, 283, 136 (1985); Khmelnitsky, et
al., Eur. J. Biochem., 210, 751 (1992). Methods of nanoparticle
preparation include but are not limited to emulsification-solvent
evaporation technique, multiple emulsion solvent evaporation
technique, phase inversion, coacervation, salting out, spray
drying, emulsion and micro-emulsion polymerization, and the like.
See Labhasetwar, In Self-Assembling Complexes for Gene Delivery.
From Laboratory to Clinical Trial, Kabanov et al. (eds.), John
Wiley, Chichester (1998). By varying conditions of reaction,
including the type and dispersity of the media, addition of
surfactants, temperature, and ratio of reagents the size of the
particles can be controlled.
[0050] Certain nanoparticles were recently proposed as carriers for
certain pharmaceutical agents. See, e.g., Sharma et al. Oncology
Research 8, 281 (1996); Zobel et al. Antisense Nucl. Acid Drug
Dev., 7:483 (1997); de Verdiere et al. Br. J. Cancer 76, 198
(1997); Hussein et al., Pharm. Res., 14, 613 (1997); Alyautdin et
al. Pharm. Res. 14, 325 (1997); Hrkach et al. Biomaterials, 18, 27
(1997); Torchilin, J. Microencapsulation 15, 1 (1988); Labhasetwar,
Self-Assembling Complexes for Gene Delivery; From Laboratory to
Clinical Trial, Kabanov et al. (eds.), John Wiley, Chichester
(1998); and literature cited therein. The nanoparticle chemistries
provide for a wide spectrum of rigid polymer structures, which are
suitable for the encapsulation of drugs, drug delivery and
controlled release. Some major problems of these carriers include
aggregation, low drug loading capacity and restricted control of
the drug release kinetics.
[0051] Due to their unique architecture, nanogel polymer networks
combine properties of cross-linked polymer gels and dispersed
colloidal particles. They are porous materials which can be loaded
with a variety of biological agents, including small molecules and
polymers, at a very high biological agent to polymer network ratio.
The immobilization of the biological agents in the nanogel networks
is in the entire volume of the network rather than on its surface,
and under certain conditions can be accompanied by the
micro-collapse of the network providing for additional masking and
protection of the biological agent. Nanogel networks of the current
invention are soluble and do not aggregate after complete
neutralization of the polyion charges. The loading capacity of
nanogel networks can be as high as several grams or several dozen
grams per one gram of the polymer network. This is much higher
compared to the loading capacity achieved with nanoparticles. See,
Labhasetwar et al., Adv. Drug Del. Res., 24:63 (1997). In contrast
to conventional drug delivery particles such as nanoparticles
(which usually have to be prepared in the presence of the
biological agent) the polymer network is loaded with the biological
agent after the network its synthesized. This greatly simplifies
the preparation and use of the biological agent composition of this
invention and permits using batches of nanogel network with many
different biological agents and compositions.
[0052] The combination of the polyion and nonionic fragments
(including hydrophobic-hydrophilic block copolymers) enables
formulation of the nanogel networks with a broader range of
biological agents as compared to most other particulate drug
delivery and controlled release systems. Combination of polyanion
and nonionic polymer fragments in the polymer networks provides for
much greater versatility and enhanced properties as compared with
conventional drug delivery systems. Also this invention relates to
compositions of the nanogel networks in which the nonionic
water-soluble fragments contain hydrophilic and hydrophobic chain
segments. Such segments self assemble in aqueous environment within
the nanogel network resulting in formation of hydrophobic domains
in each nanogel species that can incorporate and release nonpolar
molecules or polar molecules containing non-polar parts. The
ability to change the structure and porosity of nanogel networks by
altering the polymer fragment structure is unprecedented for any
particulate delivery system. Also, due to the small size the
polymeric species can be transported in the body to a disease site,
cross biological barriers including but not limited to the
blood-brain barrier and intestinal epithelium, enter cells, cross
cell membranes and be transported to the target site inside
cell.
[0053] This invention further relates to compositions having the
nanogel networks of cross-linked polymer fragments (defined herein
as "polymer networks") and at least one suitable biological agent.
The biological agents incorporate into nanogel particles through
hydrophobic, ionic interactions or hydrogen bonding forming
non-covalent complexes. It is preferred that there is a combination
of binding interactions between the biological agent and nanogel,
for example, ionic (electrostatic) and hydrophobic binding, or
hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic binding, or ionic (electrostatic)
and hydrogen bonding. The complexes are more stable and more
suitable allowing their successful use in the body when the
combination of interactions is present.
[0054] In the case of biological agents bearing one or several
electrostatic charges it is preferred that the net charge of such
agent is opposite to the charge of the nanogel, i.e. be positive
(or cationic). The compositions of biological agents and nanogels
include surfactant biological agents containing hydrophilic and
hydrophobic parts. If the hydrophilic part is positively charged
such structures are referred to as "the cationic surfactants".
[0055] Surfactants can cooperatively bind to the polymers of
opposite charge (see, for example, Goddard, In Interactions of
Surfactants with Polymers and Proteins. Goddard and
Ananthapadmanabhan, Eds., pp. 171 et seq., CRC Press, Boca Raton,
Ann Arbor, London, Tokyo, 1992). Cooperative binding occurs if the
binding of surfactant molecules to the polymer is enhanced by the
presence of other molecules of this or other surfactant, which are
already bound to the same polymer. According to the present
invention a surfactant binds electrostatically to oppositely
charged anionic fragments of the nanogel to form complexes. These
complexes are cooperatively stabilized by the interactions of the
hydrophobic parts of surfactant molecules bound to the same anionic
fragment with each other. This binding mechanism is, in particular,
characteristic for surfactant biological agents, see, for example,
Florence and Attwood, Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy,
2.sup.nd edn., p.180 et seq., Chapman and Hall, New York,
1988).
[0056] Formation of the electrostatic complexes between cationic
surfactants and anionic polymer chains results in charge
neutralization. As a result, hydrophobicity of the complexed
fragments increases and aqueous solubility decreases. However, the
preferred biological agent compositions remain in the aqueous
solution due to the presence of the nonionic fragments linked to
the anionic segments. By varying the relative lengths and amounts
of the nonionic and polyionic fragments it is possible to vary the
hydrophilic-lipophilic properties of the complexes formed between
the surfactant and nanogel and to optimize the stability of the
preferred compositions in the dispersions. It is preferred that the
compositions of the present invention form stable aqueous
dispersions at physiological conditions (pH, osmomolarity, etc.)
and temperatures.
[0057] It will in some circumstances be desirable to incorporate in
the nanogel networks of the current invention, by noncovalent
association or covalent conjugation, targeting molecules. See for
example, Kabanov et al., J. Controlled Release, 22:141 (1992), the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. As used
herein, the term "targeting molecule" refers to any molecule, atom,
or ion linked to the polymer networks of the current invention that
enhance binding, transport, accumulation, residence time,
bioavailability or modify biological activity of the polymer
networks or biologically active compositions of the current
invention in the body or cell. The targeting molecule will
frequently comprise an antibody, fragment of antibody or chimeric
antibody molecules typically with specificity for a certain cell
surface antigen. It could also be, for instance, a hormone having a
specific interaction with a cell surface receptor, or a drug having
a cell surface receptor. For example, glycolipids could serve to
target a polysaccharide receptor. It could also be, for instance,
enzymes, lectins, and polysaccharides. Low molecular mass ligands,
such as folic acid and derivatives thereof are also useful in the
context of the current invention. The targeting molecules can also
be polynucleotide, polypeptide, peptidomimetic, carbohydrates
including polysaccharides, derivatives thereof or other chemical
entities obtained by means of combinatorial chemistry and biology.
Targeting molecules can be used to facilitate intracellular
transport of the particles of the invention, for instance transport
to the nucleus, by using, for example, fusogenic peptides as
targeting molecules described by Soukchareun et al., Bioconjugate
Chem., 6, 43, (1995) or Arar et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 6, 43
(1995), caryotypic peptides, or other biospecific groups providing
site-directed transport into a cell (in particular, exit from
endosomic compartments into cytoplasm, or delivery to the
nucleus).
[0058] Included within the scope of the invention are compositions
comprising the polymer networks of the current invention and a
suitable targeting molecule. The targeting molecule can be
covalently linked to any of the polymer fragments of the polymer
networks identified herein, including cationic and nonionic polymer
fragments. For instance, the targeting molecule can be linked to
the free-terminal or pendant groups of the nonionic fragments of
the particles of the invention. Such targeting molecules can be
linked to the terminal or pendant --OH end group of the polymer
fragments, and the terminal or pendant --NH.sub.2 group of the
polymers, or the terminal or pendant --COOH end group of the
polymers or the like.
[0059] It will in some circumstances be desirable to incorporate
targeting molecules through ligand-receptor construct, in which (i)
the ligand molecule is a chemical entity (e.g., molecule, atom, or
ion) capable of specific binding with the receptor molecule, (ii)
the receptor molecule is any chemical capable of specific binding
to the ligand molecule, (iii) the ligand or receptor molecules or
both the ligand and receptor molecules are incorporated in the
polymer networks of the current invention or targeting molecules or
both polymer networks and targeting molecules, by noncovalent
association or covalent conjugation, so that after mixing targeting
molecules and polymeric species with ligand and receptor molecules
attached to them or adding either free ligand or receptor or both
ligand and receptor to the mixture of targeting molecules and
polymer networks, the targeting molecule become attached to the
polymer networks ad a result of binding between the ligand and
receptor. Useful examples of such constructs those using biotin as
the ligand and avidin or streptavidin as the receptor. For example,
biotin or derivatives thereof can be covalently linked to the
polymer networks of the current invention and avidin (or
streptavidin) can be covalently linked to the targeting molecule.
Alternatively, biotin can be linked to both the polymer networks
and targeting molecule and the latter can be linked through avidin,
which has four biotin-binding centers. Additionally, more complex
constructs comprising biotin and avidin can be used for
incorporating targeting molecules in polymer networks of the
current invention.
[0060] In another embodiment, the invention provides for the
polymer networks with biotin molecules or derivatives thereof
linked to at least one polyion or nonionic polymer fragment of both
polyion and nonionic polymer fragments. Those of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that even when the practice of the invention
is confined for example, to biotin-avidin or biotin-streptavidin
(or similar) constructs, there are numerous methods available for
the design of the ligand-receptor constructs with the desired
characteristics pursuant to this invention. Such constructs, for
example, can comprise ligands and/or receptors that are
polynucleotide, polypeptide, peptidomimetic, carbohydrates
including polysaccharides, derivatives thereof or other chemical
entities obtained by means of combinatorial chemistry and
biology.
[0061] The targeting molecules that can be associated with the
polymer networks of the current invention can also have a targeting
group having affinity for a cellular site and a hydrophobic group.
Such targeting molecules can provide for the site-specific delivery
and recognition in the body. The targeting molecule will
spontaneously associate with the particles and be "anchored"
thereto through the hydrophobic group. These targeting adducts will
typically comprise about 1% or less of the polymers in a final
composition. In the targeting molecule, the hydrophobic group can
be, among other things, a lipid group such as a fatty acyl group.
Alternately, it can be an ionic or nonionic homopolymer, copolymer,
block copolymer, graft copolymer, dendrimer or other natural or
synthetic polymer.
[0062] The use of the polymer fragments with dual nonionic and
anionic functionality in polymer networks of the current invention
permits varying of the properties of these systems by changing the
lengths and/or chemical structure of these polymer fragments within
a very broad range. This design of polymer networks allows for
tremendous versatility of properties with simple chemical
structures and permits optimization of drug delivery and drug
release systems for enhanced performance with a variety of drugs
and drug delivery situations. Particularly, the longevity of
circulation in the blood can be varied from very long circulating
network dispersions to dispersions rapidly accumulating in organs.
Biodistribution can be varied to achieve site-specific drug
delivery and release, and the rate or release can be varied from
seconds to days and weeks, etc. The versatility of these polymer
networks permits selecting biological agent compositions that are
most efficient and safe (i.e., have best "therapeutic index") for a
very broad variety of biological agents. Therefore, this invention
also provides for a method of identifying biological agent
compositions that can be useful in pharmaceutics and
biopharmaceutics, diagnostics and imaging, immunology, veterinary,
agriculture, and other areas where the properties of biological
agents exhibited during interaction with a living organism or cell
can be improved by formulation.
[0063] Biological Agents
[0064] The polymer networks and compositions of this invention are
useful in pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics, diagnostics and
imaging, immunology, veterinary, agriculture, and other areas where
the properties of biological agents exhibited during interaction
with a living organism or cell can be improved by formulation. The
biological agent of this invention is an agent that is useful for
diagnostics or imaging or that can act on a cell, organ or organism
to create a change in the functioning of the cell, organ or
organism, including pharmaceutical drugs, immunoadjuvants,
vaccines, genes, herbicides, and the like. Such biological agents
are represented by wide variety of agents that are used in
diagnostics, therapy, immunization or otherwise are applied to
combat human and animal disease. Such agents include nucleic acids,
polynucleotides, genes and viruses, antibacterial agents, antiviral
agents, antifungal agents, antiparasitic agents, tumoricidal or
anti-cancer agents, proteins, toxins, enzymes, hormones,
neurotransmitters, glycoproteins, immunoglobulins,
immunomodulators, antigens and vaccines, dyes, radiolabels,
radio-opaque compounds, fluorescent compounds, polysaccharides,
cell receptor binding molecules, anti-inflammatories,
anti-glaucomic agents, mydriatic compounds and local
anesthetics.
[0065] Special classes of biological agents that can be used in
this invention include pharmaceutical drugs. Many drugs are rapidly
cleared from the body or are degraded by the body's defense
mechanisms. These problems, plus toxic side effects, seriously
limit drug efficacy by reducing time available to the drug to reach
its target and by limiting the amount of drug which can safely be
given to the patient. In addition many drugs do not readily
penetrate tissues or effectively seek out and concentrate in
appropriate cells to maximize their therapeutic effect. The use of
the biological agent compositions pursuant to this invention
permits significantly improvements to therapeutic drugs by
decreasing in their side effects, and increasing their therapeutic
action.
[0066] Biological agents also include non-steroidal
anti-inflammatories such as indomethacin, salicylic acid acetate,
ibuprofen, sulindac, piroxicam, and naproxen, antiglaucomic agents
such as timolol or pilocarpine, neurotransmitters such as
acetylcholine, anesthetics such as dibucaine, neuroleptics such as
the phenothiazines (for example compazine, thorazine, promazine,
chlorpromazine, acepromazine, amino-promazine, perazine,
prochlorperazine, trifluoperazine, and thioproperazine), rauwolfia
alkaloids (for example, resperine and deserpine), thioxanthenes
(for example chlorprothixene and tiotixene), butyrophenones (for
example haloperidol, moperone, trifluoperidol, timiperone, and
droperidol), diphenylbutylpiperidines (for example pimozde), and
benzamides (for example sulpiride and tiapride); tranquilizers such
as glycerol derivatives (for example mephenesin and methocarbamol),
propanediols (for example meprobamate), diphenylmethane derivatives
(for example orphenadrine, benzotrapine, and hydroxyzine), and
benzodiazepines (for example chlordiazepoxide and diazepam);
hypnotics (for example zolpdem and butoctamide); beta-blockers (for
example propranolol, acebutonol, metoprolol, and pindolol);
antidepressants such as dibenzazepines (for example, imipramine),
dibenzocycloheptenes (for example, amtiriptyline), and the
tetracyclics (for example, mianserine); MAO inhibitors (for example
phenelzine, iproniazid, and selegeline); psychostimulants such as
phenylehtylamine derivatives (for example amphetamines,
dexamphetamines, fenproporex, phentermine, amfeprramone, and
pemoline) and dimethylaminoethanols (for example clofenciclan,
cyprodenate, aminorex, and mazindol); GABA-mimetics (for example,
progabide); alkaloids (for example codergocrine,
dihydroergocristine, and vincamine); anti-Parkinsonism agents (for
example L-dopamine and selegeline); agents utilized in the
treatment of Alzheimer's disease, cholinergics (for example
citicoline and physostigmine); vasodilators (for example
pentoxifyline); and cerebro active agents (for example pyritinol
and meclofenoxate). These agents include also DNA topoisomerase
inhibitors (including type I and type II), brain and tumor imaging
agents, free radical scavenger drugs, anticoagulants, ionotropic
drugs, and neuropeptides such as endorphins.
[0067] The biological agent compositions also can be used
advantageously with anti-neoplastic agents such as paclitaxel,
daunorubicin, doxorubicin, carminomycin, 4'-epiadriamycin,
4-demethoxy-daunomycin, 11-deoxydaunorubicin,
13-deoxy-daunorubicin, adriamycin-14-benzoate,
adriamycin-14-actanoate, adriamycin-14-naphthaleneacetate,
vinblastine, vincristine, mitomycin C, N-methyl mitomycin C,
bleomycin A.sub.2, dideazatetrahydrofolic acid, aminopterin,
methotrexate, cholchicine and cisplatin, antibacterial agents such
as aminoglycosides including gentamicin, antiviral compounds such
as rifampicin, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT), and acylovir;
antifungal agents such as azoles including fluconazole, macrolides
such as amphotericin B, and candicidin; anti-parastic compounds
such as antimonials. These biological agents include without
limitation vinca alkaloids, such as vincristine and vinblastine,
mitomycin-type antibiotics, such as mitomycin C and N-methyl
mitomycin, bleomycin-type antibiotics such as bleomycin A.sub.2,
antifolates such as methotrexate, aminopterin, and
dideaza-tetrahydrofolic acid, taxanes, anthracycline antibiotics
and others.
[0068] The compositions can also utilize a variety of polypeptides
such as antibodies, toxins such as diphtheria toxin, peptide
hormones, such as colony stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis
factors, neuropeptides, growth hormones, erythropoietins, and
thyroid hormones, lipoproteins such as p-lipoprotein, proteoglycans
such as hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins such as gonadotropin
hormone, immunomodulators or cytokines such as interferons or
interleukins, and hormone receptors such as the estrogen
receptor.
[0069] The compositions also can be used with enzyme inhibiting
agents such as reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease
inhibitors, angiotensin converting enzymes, 5.mu.-reductase, and
the like. Exemplary agents include peptide and nonpeptide
structures such as finasteride, quinapril, ramipril, lisinopril,
saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, zidovudine,
zalcitabine, allophenylnorstatine, kynostatin, delaviridine,
bis-tetrahydrofuran ligands (see, for example Ghosh et al., J. Med.
Chem. 1996, 39:3278), and didanosine. Such agents can be
administered alone or in combination therapy; e.g., a combination
therapy utilizing saquinavir, zalcitabine, and didanosine,
zalcitabine, and zidovudine. See, for example, Collier et al.,
Antiviral Res. 1996, 29:99.
[0070] A wide variety of polynucleotides can be the nucleic acid
component of the composition. These includes natural and synthetic
DNA or RNA molecules and nucleic acid molecules that have been
covalently modified (to incorporate groups including lipophilic
groups, photo-induced crosslinking groups, alkylating groups,
organometallic groups, intercalating groups, lipophilic groups,
biotin, fluorescent and radioactive groups, and groups that modify
the phosphate backbone). Such polynucleotides can be, among other
things, antisense nucleic acid molecules, gene-encoding single- and
double-stranded DNA (usually including an appropriate promoter
sequence) such as linear or non-linear plasmids, bacteriophage,
viral vectors, DNA vaccines, DNA triplex structures, DNA and RNA
mimetics, ribozymes, aptamers, antigen nucleic acids,
oligonucleotide .alpha.-anomers, ethylphosphotriester analogs,
alkylphosphomates, phosphorothionate and phosphorodithionate
oligonucleotides, and the like. In fact, the polynucleotides can be
any nucleic acid that can beneficially be transported into a cell
with greater efficiency, or stabilized from degradative processes,
or improved in its biodistribution after administration to an
living organism, including humans.
[0071] Additional suitable biological agents include viral genomes
and viruses (including the lipid and protein coat). This accounts
for the possibility of using the invention with a variety of viral
vectors in gene delivery (e.g. retroviruses, adenoviruses,
herpes-virus, Pox-virus) used as complete viruses of their parts.
See, for example, Hodgson, Biotechnology, 1995, 13: 222. Other
suitable biological agents include oxygen transporters (e.g.,
porphines, porphirines and their complexes with metal ions),
coenzymes and vitamins (e.g., NAD/NADH, vitamins B12,
chlorophylls), and the like. Additional suitable biological agents
further include the agents used in diagnostics visualization
methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (e.g., gadolinium (III)
diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid), and may be a chelating group
(e.g., diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, triethylenetriamine
pentaacetic acid, ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid,
1,2-diaminocyclo-hexane-N,N,N',N'- -tetraaceticacid,
N,N'-di(2-hydroxybenzyl) ethylene diamine), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)
ethylene diamine triacetic acid and the like). Such biological
agents may further include an alpha-, beta-, or gamma-emitting
radionuclide (e.g., galliun 67, indium 111, technetium 99).
Suitable biological agents are also iodine containing radiopaque
molecules. The biological agent may also be a diagnostic agent,
which may include a paramagnetic or superparamagnetic element, or
combination of paramagnetic element and radionuclide. The
paramagnetic elements include but are not limited to gadolinium
(III), dysporsium (III), holmium (III), europium (III) iron (III)
or manganese (II).
[0072] The invention can be also used to obtain useful fibrinolitic
compositions with enzymes such as streptokinase, urokinase, tissue
plasminogen activator or other fibrinolitic enzyme that is
effective in dissolving blood clots and reestablishing and
maintaining blood flow through trombosed coronary or other blood
vessels. Also this invention is used to obtain useful compositions
for treating burns, circulatory diseases in which there is an acute
impairment of circulation, in particular, microcirculation,
respiratory distress syndrome, as well as compositions for reducing
tissue damage during angioplasty procedures. Further, the
compositions identified using this invention include those used to
treat myocardial damage, ischemic tissue, tissue damaged by
reperfusion injury, stroke, sickle cell anemia and hypothermia.
These compositions are particularly useful for treating vascular
obstructions caused by abnormal cells which is an often
complication during malaria and leukemia, and are suitable as a
perfusion medium for transplantation of organs. This invention is
also suitable for obtaining compositions of antiinfective
compounds, as well as modulators of immune response, and improved
adjuvants, antigenes and vaccines.
[0073] Adjuvants suitable for use in this invention include
adjuvants of mineral, bacterial, plant, synthetic or host product
origin. Suitable mineral adjuvants include aluminum compounds such
as aluminum particles and aluminum hydroxide. Suitable bacterial
adjuvants include but are not limited to muramyl dipeptides, lipid
A, Bordetella pertussis, Freund's Complete Adjuvant,
lipopolysaccharides and its various derivatives, and the like.
Suitable adjuvants include without limitation small immunogenes,
such as synthetic peptide of malaria, polysaccharides, proteins,
bacteria and viruses. Antigenes which can be used in the present
invention are compounds which, when introduced into a mammal will
result in formation of antibodies. Suitable antigens include
natural, recombinant, or synthetic products derived from viruses,
bacteria, fungi, parasites and other infectious agents, as well as
autoimmune disease, hormones or tumor antigens used in prophylactic
or therapeutic vaccines. These antigens include components produced
by enzymatic cleavage or can be compounds produced by recombinant
DNA technique. Viral antigens include but are not limited to HIV,
rotavirus, influenza, foot and mouth disease, herpes simplex,
Epstein-Barr virus, Chicken pox, pseudorabies, rabies, hepatitis A,
hepatitis B, hepatitis C, measles, distemper, Venezuelan equine
encephalomyelitis, Rota virus, polyoma tumor virus, Feline leukemia
virus, reovirus, respiratory synticial virus, Lassa fever virus,
canine parvovirus, bovine pappiloma virus, tick borne encephalitis,
rinderpest, human rhinovirus species, enterovirus species, Mengo
virus, paramixovirus, avian infectious bronchitis virus. Suitable
bacterial antigens include but are not limited to Bordetella
pertussis, Brucella abortis, Escherichia coli, salmonella species,
salmonella typhi, streptococci, cholera, shigella, pseudomonas,
tuberculosis, leprosy and the like. Also suitable antigens include
infections such as Rocky mountain spotted fever and thyphus,
parasites such as malaria, schystosomes and trypanosomes, and
fungus such as Cryptococcus neoformans. The protein and peptide
antigens include subunits of recombinant proteins (such as herpes
simplex, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B, pseudorabies, flavivirus,
Denge, yellow fever, Neissera gonorrhoeae, malaria, trypanosome
surface antigen, alphavirus, adenovirus and the like), proteins
(such as diphteria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, meningococcal outer
membrane protein, streptococcal M protein, hepatitis B, influenza
hemagglutinin and the like), synthetic peptides (e.g. malaria,
influenza, foot and mouth disease virus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C).
Suitable polysaccharide and oligosaccharide antigens originate from
pneumococcus, haemphilis influenza, neisseria meningitides,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, pneumococcus.
[0074] The present compositions can be used in a variety of
treatments including but not limited to improving existing
therapies using biological agents, as well as new therapies where
formulation of biological agents with polymer networks is
beneficial.
[0075] For example, the compositions can be used in Gene therapy
including gene replacement or excision therapy, and gene addition
therapy (B. Huber, Gene therapy for neoplastic diseases; B E Huber
and J S Lazo Eds., The New York Academy of Sciences, NY, N.Y.,
1994, pp. 6-11). Also, antisense therapy targets genes in the
nucleus and/or cytoplasm of the cell, resulting in their inhibition
(Stein and Cheng, Science 261:1004, 1993; De Mesmaeker et al., Acc.
Chem. Res., 28:366, 1995). Aptamer nucleic acid drugs target both
intra-and extracellular proteins, peptides and small molecules. See
Ellington and Szostak, Nature (London), 346,818, 1990. Antigen
nucleic acid compounds can be used to target duplex DNA in the
nucleus. See Helene and Tolume, Biochim, Biophys. Acta 1049:99
(1990). Catalytic polynucleotides target mRNA in the nucleus and/or
cytoplasm (Cech, Curr. Opp. Struct. Biol. 2:605,1992).
[0076] Examples of genes to be replaced, inhibited and/or added
include, but are not limited to, adenosine deaminase, tumor
necrosis factor, cell growth factors, Factor IX, interferons (such
as .alpha.-, .beta.-, and .gamma.-interferon), interleukins (such
interleukin 2, 4, 6 and 12), HLA-B7, HSV-TK, CFTR, HIV -1,
.beta.-2, microglobulin, retroviral genes (such as gag, pol, env,
tax, and rex), cytomegalovirus, herpes viral genes (such as herpes
simplex virus type I and II genes ICP27/UL54, ICP22/US1, ICP/IE175,
protein kinase and exonuclease/UL13, protein kinase/US3,
ribonuclease reductase ICP6/UL39, immediate early (IE) mRNA
IE3/IE175/ICP4, 1E4/ICP22/US1, IE5/ICP47, IE110, DNA
polymerase/UL30, UL13), human multidrug resistance genes (such as
mdrl), oncogenes (such as H-c-ras, c-myb, c-myb, bcl-2, bcr/abl),
tumor suppressor gene p53, human MHC genes (such as class 1 MHC),
immunoglobulins (such as IgG, IgM, IgE, IgA), hemoglobin .alpha.-
and .beta.-chains, enzymes (such as carbonic anhydrase,
triosephoshate isomerase, GTP-cyclhydrdolase I, phenylalanine
hydrolase, sarcosine dehydrogenase, glucocerobrosidase,
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase), dysotrophin, fibronectin,
apoliprotein E, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance protein,
c-src protein, V(D)J recombination activating protein, immunogenes,
peptide and protein antigens ("DNA vaccine") and the like.
[0077] Genetic diseases can also be treated by the instant
compositions. Such diseases include, but are not limited to,
rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative
colitis, .alpha.-thalassemia, .beta.-thalassemia, carbonic
anhydrase II deficiency syndrome, triosephosphate isomerase
deficiency syndrome, tetrahydro-biopterindefici- ent
hyperphenylalaniemia, classical phenylketonuria, muscular dystrophy
such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, hypersarkosinemia, adenomatous
intestinal polyposis, adenosine deaminase deficiency, malignant
melanoma, glucose-6-phosphste dehydrogenase deficiency syndrome,
arteriosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia, Gaucher's disease,
cystic fibrosis, osteopetrosis, increased spontaneous tumors, T and
B cell immunodeficiency, high cholesterol, arthritis including
chronic rheumatoid arthritis, glaucoma, alcoholism and the
like.
[0078] The compositions can also be used to treat neoplastic
diseases including, but not limited to, breast cancer (e.g.,
breast, pancreatic, gastric, prostate, colorectal, lung, ovarian),
lymphomas (such as Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma), melanoma and
malignant melanoma, advanced cancer hemophilia B, renal cell
carcinoma, gliblastoma, astrocytoma, gliomas, AML and CML and the
like.
[0079] Additionally, the compositions can be used to treat (i)
cardiovascular diseases including but not limited to stroke,
cardiomyopathy associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,
myocardial ischemia, restenosis and the like, (ii) infectious
diseases such as Hepatitis, HIV infections and AIDS, Herpes, CMV
and associated diseases such as CMV renitis, (iii) transplantation
related disorders such as renal transplant rejection and the like,
and (iv) are useful in vaccine therapies and immunization,
including but not limited to melanoma vaccines, HIV vaccines,
malaria, tuberculosis, and the like.
[0080] Target Cells
[0081] Cell targets can be ex vivo or in vivo, and includes, but is
not limited to, T and B lymphocytes, primary CML, tumor
infiltrating lymphocytes, tumor cells, leukemic cells (such as
HL-60, ML-3, KG-1 and the like), skin fibroblasts, myoblasts, cells
of central nervous system including primary neurons, liver cells,
carcinoma (such as Bladder carcinoma T24, human colorectal
carcinoma Caco-2), melanoma, CD34.sup.+ lymphocytes, NK cells,
macrophages, hemotopoetic cells, neuroblastoma (such as LAN-5 and
the like), gliomas, lymphomas (such as Burkitt lymphomas ST486),
JD38), T-cell hybridomas, muscle cells such as primary smooth
muscle, dermal cells, and the like.
[0082] Surfactant-Containing Compositions
[0083] The invention also provides compositions having a polymer
network and at least one surfactant. Surfactants are useful for
improving the solubility of biological agents, changing the
properties (e.g. particle size, aggregation stability,
bioavailability, cell transport) of the polymer networks and
compositions of the current invention, improving shelf life and the
like. It is believed that surfactants can alter the conformation of
the polymer fragments by interacting with them. Such alteration
occurs during interaction of the polyanion fragments of the polymer
networks with cationic surfactants resulting in the collapse of
these fragments and condensation of the nanogel particles. For
example, the polyoxyethylene-poly(acrylic acid) networks interact
with cetylpyridinium bromide. Another example is the interaction of
nonionic and ionic amphiphilic surfactants with nonionic fragments,
e.g. polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene fragments. Also, anionic
surfactants can interact with nonionic fragments, e.g. alkylsufates
interacting with polyoxyethylene. Finally, surfactants can form
hydrogen bonds with the nanogel chains. For example, the hydrogen
binding of nonionic polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene surfactants
with poly(acrylic acid) at pH 5.0.
[0084] The addition of surfactant to the polymer network containing
compositions can be used to vary in a controllable manner the
porosity and stability of the network, adjust the size of the
nanogel particles, and modify variety of properties of the polymer
networks and the biological agent compositions thereof that are
relevant to the effects on a living organism or cell.
[0085] Surfactants as defined herein are most generally surface
active agents that are adsorbed at interface (see, for example,
Martin, Physical Pharmacy, 4.sup.th edn., p. 370 et seq., Lea &
Febiger, Philadelphia, London, 1993). These surface active agents
in particular decrease the surface tension at the air-water
interface in aqueous solutions th (see, for example, Martin,
Physical Pharmacy, 4 edn., p. 370 et seq., Lea & Febiger,
Philadelphia, London, 1993) and include without limitation micelle
forming amphiphiles, soaps, lipids, surface active drugs and other
surface active biological agents, and the th like (see, for
example, Martin, Physical Pharmacy, 4.sup.th edn., Lea &
Febiger, Philadelphia, London, 1993; Marcel Dekker, New York,
Basel, 1979; Atwood and Florence, J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1971,
23:242S; Atwood and Florence, J. Pharm. Sci. 1974, 63:988; Florence
and Attwood, Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy, 2.sup.nd edn.,
p.180 et seq., Chapman and Hall, New York, 1988; Hunter,
Introduction to Modern Colloid Science, p. 12 et seq., Oxford
University Press, Oxford, 1993). The surfactant can be (i) cationic
(including those used in various transfection cocktails), (ii)
nonionic (e.g., Pluronic or Tetronic), (iii) zwitterionic
(including betains and phospholipids), or (iv) anionic (e,g., salts
of fatty acids).
[0086] Cationic surfactants suitable for use in present biological
agent compositions include primary amines (e.g., hexylamine,
heptylamine, octylamine, decylamine, undecylamine, dodecylamine,
pentadecyl amine, hexadecyl amine, oleylamine, stearylamine,
diaminopropane, diaminobutane, diaminopentane, diaminohexane,
diaminoheptane, diaminooctane, diaminononane, diaminodecane,
diaminododecane), secondary amines (e.g., N,N-distearylamine),
tertiary amines (e.g., N,N',N'-polyoxyethylene(10)-N-
-tallow-1,3-diaminopropane), quaternary amine salts (e.g.,
dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethylammonium
bromide, alkyltrimethylammonium bromide,
tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, benzalkonium chloride,
cetyidimethylethylammonium bromide, dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium
bromide, methylbenzethonium chloride, decamethonium chloride,
methyl mixed trialkyl ammonium chloride, methyl trioctylammonium
chloride), 1,2-diacyl-3-(trimethylammonio)propane (acyl
group=dimyristoyl, dipalmitoyl, distearoyl, dioleoyl),
1,2-diacyl-3-(dimethylammonio)propane (acyl group=dimyristoyl,
dipalmitoyl, distearoyl, dioleoyl),
1,2-dioleoyl-3-(4'-trimethylammonio) butanoyl-sn-glycerol,
1,2-dioleoyl-3-succinyl-sn-glycerol choline ester, cholesteryl
(4'-trimethylammonio) butanoate), N-alkyl pyridinium and
quinaldinium salts (e.g., cetylpyridinium halide,
N-alkylpiperidinium salts, dialkyldimetylammonium salts, dicationic
bolaform electrolytes (C.sub.12Me.sub.6; C.sub.12Bu.sub.6),
dialkylglycetylphosphorylcholine, lysolecithin), cholesterol
hemisuccinate choline ester, lipopolyamines (e.g.,
dioctadecylamidoglycylspermine (DOGS), dipalmitoyl
phosphatidylethanolamidospermine (DPPES),
N'-octadecyl-sperminecarboxamid- e hydroxytrifluoroacetate,
N',N"-dioctadecylsperminecarboxamide hydroxytrifluoroacetate,
N'-nonafluoropentadecylosperminecarboxamide
hydroxytrifluoroacetate, N',N"-dioctyl(sperminecarbonyl)glycinamide
hydroxytrifluoroacetate,
N'-(heptadecafluorodecyl)-N'-(nonafluoropentadec-
yl)-sperminecarbonyl)glycinamede hydroxytrifluoroacetate,
N'-[3,6,9-trioxa-7-(2'-oxaeicos-11'-enyl)heptaeicos-18-enyl]-sperminecarb-
oxamide hydroxy-trifluoroacetate,
N'-(1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoeth- anoyl)spermine
carboxamide hydroxytrifluoroacetate) (see, for example, Behr et.
al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1989, 86:6982; Remy et al.,
Bioconjugate Chem. 1994, 5:647),
2,3-dioleyloxy-N-[2(spermine-carboxamido-
)ethyl]-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanaminiumtrifluoroacetate (DOSPA) (see,
for example, Ciccarone et al., Focus 1993, 15:80),
N,N.sup.I,N.sup.II,N.sup.I-
II-tetramethyl-N,N.sup.I,N.sup.II,N.sup.III-tetrapalmitylspermine
(TM-TPS) (Lukow et al., J. Virol., 1993, 67:4566),
N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,- N,N-trimethylamonium chloride
(DOTMA) (see, for example, Felgner, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA 1987, 84:7413; Ciccarone et al., Focus 1993, 15:80), dimethyl
dioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB) (see, for example, Whitt et al.,
Focus 1991, 13:8), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxyethyl ammonium
bromide (DORI) (see, for example, Felgner et al., J. Biol. Chem.
1994, 269:2550), 1,2-dioleyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxyethyl
ammonium bromide (DORIE) (see, for example, Felgner et al., J.
Biol. Chem. 1994, 269:2550),
1,2-dioleyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxypropyl ammonium bromide
(DORIE-HP) (see, for example, Felgner et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1994,
269:2550), 1,2-dioleyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxybutyl ammonium
bromide (DORIE-HB) (see, for example, Feigner et al., J. Biol.
Chem. 1994, 269:2550),
1,2-dioleyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxypentyl ammonium bromide
(DORIE-HPe) (see, for example, Felgner et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1994,
269:2550), 1,2-dimyristyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxyethyl ammonium
bromide (DMRIE) (see, for example, Felgner et al., J. Biol. Chem.
1994, 269:2550), 1,2-dipalmitoyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxyethyl
ammonium bromide (DPRIE) (see, for example, Felgner et al., J.
Biol. Chem. 1994, 269:2550),
1,2-distearoyloxypropyl-3-dimethyl-hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide
(DSRIE) (see, for example, Felgner et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1994,
269:2550),
N,N-dimethyl-N-[2-(2-methyl-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-pheno-
xy]ethoxy)ethyl]-benzenemethanaminium chloride (DEBDA),
N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N,-trimethylammonium methylsulfate
(DOTAB), lipopoly-L(or D)-lysine (see, for example, Zhou, et al.,
Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1991, 1065:8), poly(L (or D)-lysine
conjugated to N-glutarylphosphatidylethanolamine lysine (see, for
example, Zhou, et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1991, 1065:8),
didodecyl glutamate ester with pendant amino group
(C.sub.12GluPhC.sub.nN.sup.+) (see, for example, Behr, Bioconjugate
Chem., 1994, 5:382), ditetradecyl glutamate ester with pendant
amino group (C.sub.14GluC.sub.nN.sup.+) (see, foe example, Behr,
Bioconjugate Chem. 1994, 5:382),
9-(N',N"-dioctadecylglycinamido)acridine (see, for example, Remy et
al., Bioconjugate Chem. 1994, 5:647), ethyl
4-[[N-[3-bis(octadecylcarbamoyl)-2-oxapropylcarbonyl]glycinamido]pyrrole--
2-carboxamido]-4-pyrrole-2-carboxylate (see, for example, Remy et
al., Bioconjugate Chem. 1994, 5:647),
N',N'-dioctadecylornithylglycinamide hydroptrifluoroacetate (see,
for example, Remy et al., Bioconjugate Chem. 1994, 5:647), cationic
derivatives of cholesterol (e.g.,
cholesteryl-3.beta.-oxysuccinamidoethylenetrimethylammonium salt,
cholesteryl-3.beta.-oxy-succinamidoethylenedimethylamine,
cholesteryl-3.beta.-carboxyamidoethylenetrimethyl-ammonium salt,
cholesteryl-3.beta.-carboxyamidoethylenedimethylamine,
3.beta.[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoetane-carbomoyl] cholesterol) (see,
for example, Singhal and Huang, In Gene Therapeutics, Wolff, Ed.,
p. 118 et seq., Birkhauser, Boston, 1993), pH-sensitive cationic
lipids (e.g.,
4-(2,3-bis-palmitoyloxy-propyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole,
4-(2,3-bis-oleoyloxy-propyl)-1-methyl-1H-imidazole,
cholesterol-(3-imidazol-1-yl propyl) carbamate,
2,3-bis-palmitoyl-propyl-- pyridin-4-yl-amine) and the like (see,
for example, Budker, et al. Nature Biotechnology 1996, 14:760).
[0087] Especially useful in the context of gene delivery and other
applications are the compositions with the mixtures of cationic
surfactant and nonionic surfactants including dioloeoyl
phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine
(DOPC) (see, for example, Feigner, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
USA 1987; Singhal and Huang, In Gene Therapeutics, Wolff, Ed., p.
118 et seq., Birkhauser, Boston, 1993). This includes, in
particular, commercially available cationic lipid compositions
including LipofectAMINE.TM., Lipofectine.RTM., DMRIE-C,
CellFICTIN.TM., LipofectACE.TM., Transfectam reagents (see, for
example, Ciccarone et al., Focus 1993, 15:80; Lukow et al., J.
Virol. 1993, 67:4566; Behr, Bioconjugate Chem. 1994, 5:382; Singhal
and Huang, In Gene Therapeutics, Wolff, Ed., p. 118 et seq.,
Birkhauser, Boston, 1993; GIBCO-BRL Co.; Promega Co., Sigma Co) and
other cationic lipid compositions used for transfection of cells
(see, for example, Feigner et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1994, 269:2550;
Budker, et al. Nature Biotechnology 1996,14:760).
[0088] Suitable anionic surfactants for use in the present
biological agent compositions include alkyl sulfates, alkyl
sulfonates, fatty acid soap including salts of saturated and
unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives (e.g., arachidonic acid,
5,6-dehydroarachidonic acid, 20-hydroxyarachidonic acid,
20-trifluoro arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid,
docosapentaenoic acid, docosatrienoic acid, eicosadienoic acid,
7,7-dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic acid, 7,7-dimethyl-5,8-eicosadienoic
acid, 8,11-eicosadiynoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid,
eicosatetraynoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, eicosatriynoic acid,
eladic acid, isolinoleic acid, linoelaidic acid, linoleic acid,
linolenic acid, dihomo-.gamma.-linolenic acid, .gamma.-linolenic
acid, 17-octadecynoic acid, oleic acid, phytanic acid, stearidonic
acid, 2-octenoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid,
undecanoic acid, undecelenic acid, lauric acid, myristoleic acid,
myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, heptadecanoic acid,
stearic acid, nonanedecanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, docasanoic
acid, tricosanoic acid, tetracosanoic acid, cis-15-tetracosenoic
acid, hexacosanoic acid, heptacosanoic acid, octacosanoic acid,
triocantanoic acid), salts of hydroxy-, hydroperoxy-, polyhydroxy-,
epoxy-fatty acids (see, for example, Ingram and Brash, Lipids 1988,
23:340; Honn et al., Prostaglandins 1992, 44:413; Yamamoto, Free
Radic. Biol. Med. 1991, 10:149; Fitzpatrick and Murphy, Pharmacol.
Rev. 1989, 40:229; Muller et al., Prostaglandins 1989, 38:635;
Falgueyret et al., FEBS Lett 1990, 262:197; Cayman Chemical Co.,
1994 Catalog, pp. 78-108), salts of carboxylic acids (e.g., valeric
acid, trans-2,4-pentadienoic acid, hexanoic acid, trans-2-hexenoic
acid, trans-3-hexenoic acid, 2,6-heptadienoic acid, 6-heptenoic
acid, heptanoic acid, pimelic acid, suberic acid, sebacicic acid,
azelaic acid, undecanedioic acid, decanedicarboxylic acid,
undecanedicarboxylic acid, dodecanedicarboxylic acid,
hexadecanedioic acid, docasenedioic acid, tetracosanedioic acid,
agaricic acid, aleuritic acid, azafrin, bendazac, benfurodil
hemisuccinate, benzylpenicillinic acid,
p-(benzylsulfonamido)benzoic acid, biliverdine, bongkrekic acid,
bumadizon, caffeic acid, calcium 2-ethylbutanoate, capobenic acid,
carprofen, cefodizime, cefmenoxime, cefixime, cefazedone,
cefatrizine, cefamandole, cefoperazone, ceforanide, cefotaxime,
cefotetan, cefonicid, cefotiam, cefoxitin, cephamycins, cetiridine,
cetraric acid, cetraxate, chaulmoorgic acid, chlorambucil,
indomethacin, protoporphyrin IX, protizinic acid), prostanoic acid
and its derivatives (e.g., prostaglandins) (see, for example,
Nelson et al., C&EN 1982, 30-44; Frolich, Prostaglandins, 1984,
27:349; Cayman Chemical Co., 1994 Catalog, pp. 26-61), leukotrienes
and lipoxines (see for example, Samuelsson et al., Science 1987,
237:1171; Cayman Chemical Co., 1994 Catalog, pp. 64-75), alkyl
phosphates, O-phosphates (e.g., benfotiamine), alkyl phosphonates,
natural and synthetic lipids (e.g., dimethylallyl pyrophosphate
ammonium salt, S-farnesylthioacetic acid, farnesyl pyrophosphate,
2-hydroxymyristic acid, 2-fluorpalmitic acid, inositoltrphosphates,
geranyl pyrophosphate, geranygeranyl pyrophosphate,
.alpha.-hydroxyfarnesyl phosphonic acid, isopentyl pyrophoshate,
phosphatidylserines, cardiolipines, phosphatidic acid and
derivatives, lysophosphatidic acids, sphingolipids and like),
synthetic analogs of lipids such as sodium-dialkyl sulfosuccinate
(e.g., Aerosol OT.RTM.), n-alkyl ethoxylated sulfates, n-alkyl
monothiocarbonates, alkyl- and arylsulfates (asaprol, azosulfamide,
p-(benzylsulfonamideo)benzoic acid, cefonicid, CHAPS), mono- and
dialkyl dithiophosphates, N-alkanoyl-N-methylglucamine,
perfluoroalcanoate, cholate and desoxycholate salts of bile acids,
4-chloroindoleacetic acid, cucurbic acid, jasmonic acid, 7-epi
jasmonic acid, 12-oxo phytodienoic acid, traumatic acid, tuberonic
acid, abscisic acid, acitertin, and the like. Preferred cationic
and anionic surfactants also include fluorocarbon and mixed
fluorocarbon-hydrocarbon surfactants. See for example, Mukerjee, P.
Coll. Surfaces A: Physicochem. Engin. Asp. 1994, 84: 1; Guo et al.
J. Phys. Chem., 1991, 95: 1829; Guo et al. J. Phys. Chem., 1992,
96: 10068. Suitable surfactants includes salts of
perfluorocarboxylic acids (e.g., pentafluoropropionic acid,
heptafluorobutyric acid, nonanfluoropentanoic acid,
tridecafluoroheptanoic acid, pentadecafluorooctanoic acid,
heptadecafluorononanoic acid, nonadecafluorodecanoic acid,
perfluorododecanoic acid, perfluorotetradecanoic acid,
hexafluoroglutaric acid, perfluoroadipic acid, perfluorosuberic
acid, perfluorosebacicic acid), double tail hybrid surfactants
(C.sub.mF.sub.2m+1)(C.sub.nH.sub.2n- +1)CH--OSO.sub.3Na (see, for
example, Guo et al. J. Phys. Chem.1992, 96: 6738, Guo et al. J.
Phys. Chem.1992, 96: 10068; Guo et al. J. Phys. Chem.1992, 96:
10068), fluoroaliphatic phosphonates, fluoroaliphatic sulphates,
and the like).
[0089] The biological agent compositions may additionally contain
nonionic or zwitterionic surfactants including but not limited to
phospholipids (e.g., phosphatidylethanolamines,
phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylinositols, diacyl
phosphatidyl-cholines, di-O-alkyl phosphatidylcholines,
platelet-activating factors, PAF agonists and PAF antagonists,
lysophosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines,
lysophosphatidylglycerols, lysophosphatidylinositols,
lyso-platelet-activating factors and analogs, and the like),
saturated and unsaturated fatty acid derivatives (e.g., ethyl
esters, propyl esters, cholesteryl esters, coenzyme A esters,
nitrophenyl esters, naphtyl esters, monoglycerids, diglycerids, and
triglycerides, fatty alcohols, fatty alcohol acetates, and the
like), lipopolysaccharides, glyco- and shpingolipids (e.g.
ceramides, cerebrosides, galactosyldiglycerids, gangliosides,
lactocerebrosides, lysosulfatides, psychosines, shpingomyelins,
sphingosines, sulfatides), chromophoric lipids (neutral lipids,
phospholipids, cerebrosides, sphingomyelins), cholesterol and
cholesterol derivatives, n-alkylphenyl polyoxyethylene ether,
n-alkyl polyoxyethylene ethers (e.g., Triton.TM.), sorbitan esters
(e.g., Span.TM.), polyglycol ether surfactants (Tergitol.TM.),
polyoxy-ethylenesorbitan (e.g., Tween.TM.), polysorbates,
polyoxyethylated glycol monoethers (e.g., Brij.TM.,
polyoxylethylene 9 lauryl ether, polyoxylethylene 10 ether,
polyoxylethylene 10 tridecyl ether), lubrol, copolymers of ethylene
oxide and propylene oxide (e.g., Pluronic.TM., Pluronic R.TM.,
Teronic.TM., Pluradot.TM.), alkyl aryl polyether alcohol
(Tyloxapol.TM.), perfluoroalkyl polyoxylated amides,
N,N-bis[3-D-gluconamido-propyl]cholamide,
decanoyl-N-methylglucamide, n-decyl .alpha.-D-glucopyranozide,
n-decyl .beta.-D-glucopyranozide, n-decyl .beta.-D-maltopyranozide,
n-dodecyl .beta.-D-glucopyranozide, n-undecyl
.beta.-D-glucopyranozide, n-heptyl .beta.-D-glucopyranozide,
n-heptyl .beta.-D-thioglucopyranozide, n-hexyl
.beta.-D-glucopyranozide, n-nonanoyl .beta.-D-glucopyranozide
1-monooleyl-rac-glycerol, nonanoyl-N-methylglucamide, n-dodecyl
.alpha.-D-maltoside, n-dodecyl .beta.-D-maltoside,
N,N-bis[3-gluconamidepropyl]deoxycholamide, diethylene glycol
monopentyl ether, digitonin, heptanoyl-N-methylglucamid- e,
heptanoyl-N-methylglucamide, octanoyl-N-methylglucamide, n-octyl
.beta.-D-glucopyranozide, n-octyl .alpha.-D-glucopyranozide,
n-octyl .beta.-D-thiogalactopyranozide, n-octyl
.beta.-D-thioglucopyranozide, betaine
(R.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3N.sup.+R'CO.sub.2.sup.-, where
R.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3R' hydrocarbon chains), sulfobetaine
(R.sub.1R.sub.2R.sub.3N+R' SO.sub.3.sup.-), phoshoplipids (e.g.
dialkyl phosphatidylcholine),
3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-2-hydroxy-1-
-propanesulfonate,
3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfon- ate,
N-decyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate,
N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate,
N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate,
N-octadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propane-sulfonate,
N-octyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate,
N-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate, and dialkyl
phosphatitidyl-ethanolamine.
[0090] Polymer Blends
[0091] The polymer networks and the compositions thereof can be
blended with various natural and synthetic polymers to improve
stability, bioavailability, incorporation of biological agents,
shelf-life and other properties that are relevant to the effects on
the living organism and cell. Such natural and synthetic polymers
can be cationic, anionic or nonionic include homopolymers,
copolymers, block copolymers, graft copolymers or dendrimers of
ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, carbohydrates,
acrylamide, acrylic esters, methacrylamide,
N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methacrylamide, vinyl alcohol, vinyl
pyrrolidone, vinyltriazole, vinylpyridine and its N-oxide, ortho
esters, amino acids, nucleic acids, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid,
heparin, phosphate, malic acid, lactic acid, carboxylated dextran,
alkylene imine, ethyleneimine, amidoamines, vinylpyridinium salts,
ionenes methacrylates, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate,
trimethylamonioethyl methacrylate and the like. Polymer blends
useful in this invention are complexes formed by anionic nanogels
and cationic polymers, such as polyethyleneimine, polyallylamine,
polyetheramine, polyvinylpyridine, polyamine acids, polylysine and
the like.
[0092] The polymer networks and compositions thereof can be
administered orally, topically, rectally, vaginally, by pulmonary
route by use of an aerosol, or parenterally, i.e., intramuscularly,
subcutaneously, intraperitonealily or intravenously. The polymer
networks and compositions thereof can be administered alone, or can
be combined with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier or excipient
according to standard pharmaceutical practice. For oral
administration, the polymer networks and compositions thereof can
be used in the form of tablets, capsules, lozenges, troches,
powders, syrups, elixirs, aqueous solutions and suspensions, and
the like. For tablets, suitable carriers include lactose, sodium
citrate and salts of phosphoric acid. Various disintegrates such as
starch, and lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, sodium
lauryl sulfate and talc, are commonly used in tablets. For oral
administration in capsule form, useful diluents include lactose and
high molecular weight polyethylene glycols. When aqueous
suspensions are required for oral use, the polymer networks and
compositions thereof can be combined with emulsifying and
suspending agents. If desired, certain sweetening and/or flavoring
agents can also be added. For parenteral administration, sterile
solutions of the polymer networks and compositions thereof are
usually prepared, and the pH of the solutions suitably adjusted and
buffered. For intravenous use, the total concentration of solutes
is controlled to render the preparation isotonic. For ocular
administration, ointments or droppable liquids may be delivered by
ocular delivery systems known to the art such as applicators or eye
droppers. Such compositions can include mucomimetics such as
hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
or poly(vinyl alcohol), preservatives such as sorbic acid, EDTA or
benzylchronium chloride, and the usual quantities of diluents
and/or carriers. For pulmonary administration, diluents and/or
carriers can be selected to allow the formation of an aerosol.
[0093] The following examples will serve to further typify the
nature of the invention but should not be construed as a limitation
on the scope thereof, which is defined solely by the appended
claims.
EXAMPLE A
Synthesis of Bis-carbonyldiimidazole-activated Poly(Ethylene
Glycol)
[0094] Bis-carbonyldiimidazole-activated poly(ethylene glycol) was
synthesized by treating poly(ethylene glycol), M.W. 4,600,
(Aldrich) with 10-fold excess of 1,1'-carbonyidiimidazole. A
solution of 1.8 g (10 mmol) of 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole in 10 ml of
anhydrous acetonitrile was added in small portions to 8.0 g (1
mmol) of poly(ethylene glycol) in 20 ml of anhydrous acetonitrile
with constant stirring. Reaction was carried out in for 17 hrs at
40.degree. C. Then the reaction mixture was diluted by water and
dialyzed against water for 24 hrs. Products were obtained after
lyophilization as white solids with near quantitative yields.
EXAMPLE 1
Synthesis of Nanogel I Networks from Polyacrylic Acid and
Poly(Ethylene Glycol)
[0095] A solution of 0.9 g of the sodium salt of polyacrylic acid
(PM), M.w. 30,000, was dialyzed against 0.01 N HCl and then
converted into diisopropylethylammonium (DIPEA) salt by titration
with DIPEA up to pH 7.5. 0.9 g of PEG-(amino)2, M.w. 3,400
(Shearwater Polymers), was added to the previous solution to obtain
the PEG/PAA molar ratio equal to 10 and, finally, total mixture was
lyophilized. Dry material was dissolved in 4 ml of water to obtain
30% w/v solution.
[0096] A solution of 0.4 g (2.1 mmol) of water-soluble activation
agent, 1-ethyl-3(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC), in 1 ml
of water was mixed with the previously prepared polymer solution.
Final reaction mixture was immediately added to 200 ml of
vigorously stirring 20 mM solution of dioctyl sulfosuccinate (AOT)
in dichloroethane. White emulsion was additionally dispersed by
sonication for 20 min at 25.degree. C. in ultrasonic cleaner water
bath at 80 W. Gel formation could be observed on the walls of the
reaction flask. The mixture was diluted by water (200 ml) and
dichloroethane was then removed by rotor evaporation in vacuo at
40.degree. C. Transparent suspension was diluted with ethanol up to
20% v/v and left for 17 hrs at 25.degree. C. for cross-linking
reaction to complete. Large debris was separated by centrifugation
for 20 min at 2,000 g. Supernatant was dialyzed twice against 20 mM
phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, for 4 hrs and water for 18 hrs in
semi-permeable membrane bag, cutoff 3,500, and concentrated in
vacuo. Nanogel I was obtained after lyophilization as white solid
with yield of 65%.
[0097] Effective diameter of anionic nanogel I particles in aqueous
dispersion was 156 nm.
EXAMPLE 2
Synthesis of Nanogel II Networks from Polyacrylic Acid and
Poly(Ethylene Glycol)
[0098] Following the procedure of Example 1 but substituting 0.9 g
of bis-ethylenediamino-poly(ethylene glycol), M.w. 8,000, for 0.9 g
of PEG-(amino)2, M.w. 3,400, nanogel II was obtained.
Bis-ethylenediamino-poly(ethylene glycol) was synthesized from the
corresponding bis-carbonyidiimidazole-activated poly(ethylene
glycol) (see EXAMPLE #A) by reaction with the excess of
ethylenediamine. 2 g of bis-ethylenediamino-poly(ethylene glycol),
M.w. 8,000, was dissolved in 20 ml of 50% ethanol, ethylenediamine
(0.3 g) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 hrs
at 25.degree. C. The excess of ethylenediamine was removed by
dialysis in semi-permeable membrane bag, cutoff 3,500, against
water for 24 hrs at 25.degree. C. Product was obtained after
lyophilization with practically quantitative yield.
[0099] Effective diameter of anionic nanogel II particles in
aqueous dispersion was 283 nm.
EXAMPLE 3
Synthesis of Nanogel Networks from Polyacrylic Acid and Pluronic
P123
[0100] A. Bis-carbonyldiimidazole-activated Pluronic P123 from
Pluronic P123 (BASF Co.) by following the procedure of Example A
but substituting 8 g of poly(ethylene glycol), MW 4,600 for 5.8 g
(1 mmol) of Pluronic F38 for the same amount of
mono-4,4'-dimethoxytrityl-derivative of Pluronic F123.
Bis-ethylenediamino-Pluronic P123 was obtained from the activated
Pluronic P123 as described in Example #2 with near quantitative
yields. Amino group amount in the product was determined by
fluorescamine method as described by Weigele et al. (J. Amer. Chem.
Soc., 1972, 94: 5927) and corresponded to 88-93% of theoretical
substitution rate.
[0101] B. 45 ml of 2% solution of polyacrylic acid, M.w. 30,000, in
the form of DIPEA-salt obtained as described in Part A of Example 1
and 0.4 g (2 mmol) of EDC were incubated for 1 hrs at 25.degree. C.
The activated polymer solution was added to the intensively stirred
1% solution of bis-ethylenediamino-Pluronic P123 in 100 ml of
water. After 2 days incubation at room temperature under constant
stirring the mixture was charged to semi-permeable membrane bag,
cutoff 6,000-7,000 and dialyzed twice against 20% ethanol and water
for 17 hrs at 25.degree. C. Nanogel III suspension was concentrated
in vacuo and then lyophilized giving white solid product with yield
of 85%.
[0102] Effective diameter of anionic nanogel III particles in
aqueous dispersion was 193 nm.
EXAMPLE 4
Fractionation of Nanogel Particles and Size Determination
[0103] Lyophilized nanogel particles obtained in Examples 1-3 were
each dissolved in the solution containing 0.2M sodium chloride and
20% ethanol at concentration ca. 0.25 g of crude product/ml. 5 ml
of each Nanogel solution was applied on the column (2.5.times.85
cm) with Sepharose CL-2B and eluted by the same solution at flow
rate 1 ml/min. A refractive index detector was used to visualize
the eluted products. High-molecular weight products were collected
and dialyzed against water in semi-permeable membrane bag, cutoff
3,500 for 17 hrs at 25.degree. C. Desalted products were
concentrated in vacuo and lyophilized. The dimensions of the
nanogel particles were determined after resuspension using
"ZetaPlus" Zeta Potential Analyzer (Brookhaven Instrument Co.) with
15 mV solid state laser operated at a laser wavelength of 635 nm
and equipped with Multi Angle Option.
[0104] In the nanogel I preparation, the first half of the main
peak (7.5 ml/tube, fractions 31-41) contained 1.2 g, the second
half (fractions 42-49) contained 0.55 g of polymeric products.
Chemical analysis of the high molecular weight part of the peak
resulted in the following nitrogen content: theor. 0.38%, found
0.33%. Molecular ratio of poly(ethylene glycol) to polyacrylic acid
determined from the nitrogen content data equaled 9. Particle size
was 156 nm.
[0105] In the nanogel II preparation, the first half of the main
peak (7.5 ml/tube, fractions 27-38) contained 1.05 g, the second
half (fractions 39-48) contained 0.45 g of polymeric products.
Chemical analysis of the high molecular weight part of the peak
resulted in the following nitrogen content: theor. 0.17%, found
0.16%. Molecular ratio of poly(ethylene glycol) to polyacrylic acid
determined from the nitrogen content data equaled 5. Particle size
was 283 nm.
[0106] In the nanogel III preparation, the main peak (7.5 ml/tube,
fractions 31-41) contained 1.6 g of polymeric products. Chemical
analysis of the peak resulted in the following nitrogen content:
theor. 0.22%, found 0.23%. Molecular ratio of Pluronic P123 to
polyacrylic acid determined from the nitrogen content data equaled
6. Particle size was 193 nm.
[0107] Nanogel samples were characterized by size distribution in
the range 0.29-0.33.
EXAMPLE 5
Preparation of NanoGel Compositions with Cetylpyridinium
Bromide
[0108] A suspension of Nanogel 1 was prepared in phosphate buffer
pH 7.4 by sonication of 1 mg/ml Nanogel 1 sample for 30 min at
25.degree. C. 50 mM solution of cetylpyridinium bromide was added
dropwise to the suspension of Nanogel 1. The particle size at
various charge ratios: Z=[surfactant]/[COOH] was measured using
"ZetaPlus" Zeta Potential Analyzer (Brookhaven Instrument Co.) with
15 mV solid state laser operated at a laser wavelength of 635 nm.
Before each measurement the Nanogel 1 suspension was incubated for
10 min. at 25.degree. C. The results at different Z were as
follows:
2 Z.sub.-/+ 0 0.3 0.6 0.9 1 1.sup.a Effective diameter, nm 150 130
100 60 80 80 .sup.aAfter 48 hour incubation.
[0109] At the charge neutralization point (Z=1) a clear suspension
was obtained with no sign of aggregation and with effective
diameter ca. 8o nm, which is 2 times less than initial non-loaded
Nanogel 1 particles. The particle size at Z 1 did not change after
48 hr. incubation.
EXAMPLE 6
Preparation and Characterization of Nanogel Compositions with
Doxorubicin
[0110] 10 mg/ml suspension of nanogel III described in Example 3
was obtained by resuspension of lyophilized nanogel III sample in
phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4 (PBS), sonication for 30 min at
25.degree. C. and filtration through 0.45 .mu.m disposable filter.
A positively charged drug doxorubicin, containing hydrophobic
anthracyclin group is used in this example to prepare the
composition. Doxorubicin solutions were prepared at 1 mg/ml
concentration in PBS and filtered through 0.22 .mu.m disposable
filter. The calculated volume of the drug solution was added
dropwise into the stirred suspension of nanogel III to obtain 10 uM
stock solution and final mixture was incubated for 1 hr at
37.degree. C. The particle size was measured using "ZetaPlus" Zeta
Potential Analyzer (Brookhaven Instrument Co.). The nanogel
particles are formed with effective diameter ca. 80 to 160 nm. The
nanogel loading capacity with respect to doxorubicin was ca. 0.3 mg
of doxorubicin per 1 mg of nanogel.
EXAMPLE 7
Preparation and Characterization of Nanogel Compositions with
Insulin
[0111] Insulin solution (1 mg/ml) was prepared in 50 mM sodium
bicarbonate, pH 8.5, and filtered through 0.22 .mu.m disposable
filter. The calculated volume of this solution was added dropwise
to the nanogel III suspension prepared as described in Example 6.
The mixture was incubated for 5 hrs at 4.degree. C. and the
particle size was measured using "ZetaPlus" Zeta Potential Analyzer
(Brookhaven Instrument Co.). The nanogel loading capacity with
respect to insulin was ca. 0.25 to 0.3 mg/mg. Loaded nanogels III
were condensed up to effective diameter 80 nm at the maximum
insulin loading.
EXAMPLE 8
Blending of Nanogel with Polyethyleneimine
[0112] One percent aqueous solution of the polyethyleneimine, MW
50,000, (Aldrich) was prepared and filtered through 0.22 .mu.m
disposable filter. This solution was added dropwise to the nanogel
III suspension prepared as described in the Example 6. This
resulted in the condensation of loaded nanogel particles with the
effective diameter of the particles reaching 110 nm as determined
using "ZetaPlus" Zeta Potential Analyzer (Brookhaven Instrument
Co.).
EXAMPLE 9
Cytotoxicity of Nanogels Particles
[0113] Cytotoxicity of free and oligonucleotide-loaded nanogel
particles was determined using confluent KBv monolayers were grown
in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1 g/ml
vinblastine. Cells were treated by nanogel II every 12 hours for 48
hours. After the treatment the cells were cultivated another 48
hours at 37.degree. C. and 5% CO.sub.2. After that, the drug
cytotoxic activity was determined using the MTT
(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide)
assay (Ferrari, et al., J. Immunol. Methods 131, 165, 1990). The
results were as follows:
3 Nanogel concentration, % Cell survival, % 2 20 0.2 50 0.02 80
* * * * *